Cillum dolore*
Lee County
Lee County wears its history on its sleeve, and it wears it well. In Dixon you can stand on the porch of Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, catch a show at the Dixon Historic Theatre, then wander down to the Rock River waterfront as the sun drops behind the arch. This is small-town Illinois at its most walkable.
The Story Runs Deeper
The story runs deeper down the road. In Amboy, the old Illinois Central depot now houses the Amboy Depot Museum, and in Franklin Grove the Lincoln Highway’s coast-to-coast legacy is still lovingly kept along America’s first transcontinental road.
Bison on the Tallgrass
Then there are the bison. At Nachusa Grasslands, a wild herd roams thousands of acres of restored tallgrass prairie, a landscape most of Illinois lost long ago. Pair it with a slow drive through the Green River lowlands and you have a day that feels wilder than any map suggests.
By the numbers
What's Waiting Here
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- DixonAl & Leda PizzeriaFamily-run for over 60 years, Al & Leda Pizzeria is a local landmark in Dixon, IL. Famous for its signature Spaghetti Pizza—a crispy-yet-chewy crust topped with spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, and mozzarella—plus unique pizzas like BBQ Cheeseburger and BLT. Menu includes Italian cheeseburgers, torpedo sandwiches, and homemade classics. Casual, friendly, and perfect for families. Owned by the Bartolomei family since 1960.
- DixonAlley Loop Saloon & DeliSince opening our doors in 2004, Alley Loop Saloon & Deli has proudly served as Dixon, IL's favorite spot for good times, great food, and unforgettable nights. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with deli sandwiches, the famous Crazy Cuban, burgers, video gaming, and more. Open seven days a week; kitchen closes at 8 p.m. Locally owned with excellent service.
- AmboyAmboy Family Restaurant & Pizza JunctionOpen 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Homemade soups and pizza. Open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.
- DixonAngelo’s III Pizzeria - DixonPizza, pasta, and more! Family recipes for 50+ years. Locations also in Sterling & Rock Falls. Hours subject to change, call to verify.
Out and about
Things to Do
- AmboyAmboy City Park Wood CarvingsMore than 30 tree trunk wood carvings, including three U.S. Presidents from Illinois (Reagan, Lincoln, Grant) and scenes of Amboy life. More carvings planned.
- AmboyAmboy Depot MuseumThe Amboy Depot Museum is located in a former depot and division headquarters of the Illinois Central Railroad located in Amboy, Illinois. The building is an architecturally unique two-story building built of brick and cut Joliet limestone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been completely restored both inside and out, and includes the original brick tarmac surrounding the depot and the grounds of the former rail-yard, now preserved as a city park. Also reconstructed were the distinctive chimney caps on the building's eight chimneys, fully restoring the building to its original exterior configuration. Within the museum are artifacts of both the history of Amboy and the Illinois Central Railroad. The museum complex also contains a freight house with additional artifacts, a fully restored one-room country schoolhouse, a retired steam engine and a caboose. So, come in to see what's to be seen at one of the best small-town depot museums to be found anywhere!
- AmboyAmboy Farmer’s MarketLocated at the corner of Main Street and East Avenue in the Amboy Depot Museum parking lot, the Amboy Farmers Market brings the community together with fresh, locally-sourced products. Visit us to find locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, farm-fresh eggs, and quality poultry—all raised, grown, or produced by local vendors. The market provides a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors to support local agriculture and artisans while enjoying the charm of historic downtown Amboy.
- AmboyAmboy Marsh Nature PreserveThe Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve is a 302-acre Illinois Audubon Society sanctuary featuring diverse ecosystems including marshes, oak savannas, meadows, and prairies. This exceptional preserve is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna, making it a vital conservation area in northwest Illinois. The preserve offers outstanding seasonal birding opportunities, with trails open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Visitors can explore the natural habitats while observing wildlife in their native environment. Please note that pets are not permitted to protect the sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. This preserve plays a crucial role in conservation education and protecting Illinois' natural heritage.
Home base
Stay the Night
- DixonFairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites DixonFairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon is a contemporary hotel in Dixon, Illinois, conveniently located near I-88 and close to the city’s top attractions, dining, and historic sites. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel provides a comfortable home base for exploring downtown Dixon, the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, and the Rock River corridor. Guest rooms and suites are designed for relaxation and productivity, featuring plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, and coffee makers. Each stay includes a complimentary hot breakfast, and guests can take advantage of on-site amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free parking, and an on-site restaurant. Whether visiting Northwest Illinois for a weekend getaway, a family trip, or business travel, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon delivers reliable comfort, friendly service, and a convenient location in the heart of Lee County.
- Franklin GroveFranklin Creek CabinNearby attractions The Franklin Creek State Natural Area is nearby. It is open, and there are plenty of hiking trails. Kayaks are available for the adventurous. Bring your bicycles and cruise Old Mill Rd. or head into Dixon for miles of great bike trails. The Rock River is also accessible by kayak or canoe; we can arrange pickup services. The Nachusa Grasslands, where bison roam over 1,500 acres, are just 2 miles away. The cabin has everything you need The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, pans, and most of the spices you’d need. The Weber grill is on the deck, and charcoal is in the bin. Stop at Franklin Fresh Market in the Grove to pick up your groceries. It has a good meat selection. Our local restaurant, Lincolnway Café, is open for curbside pickup. The patio and outdoor fireplace are ready for the season. It’s a great gathering place. The woodbin is stocked for a robust, relaxing evening before the campfire. Contact owners through link provided.
- AmboyGreen River Oaks Camping ResortGreen River Oaks Camping Resort in Amboy offers a relaxed camping experience surrounded by the quiet countryside of Lee County. Open seasonally beginning in May, the resort provides a welcoming destination for RV travelers, tent campers, and visitors looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway. Guests can choose from spacious RV sites, tent camping areas, and comfortable cabin rentals. The property’s tree-lined setting creates a calm atmosphere for enjoying campfires, outdoor games, and time with family and friends. Whether visitors stay for a weekend or an extended trip, the campground provides a comfortable base for enjoying Northwest Illinois. Green River Oaks also features amenities designed to make camping easy and enjoyable. Visitors can take advantage of recreational areas, a swimming pool, and open green spaces throughout the resort. The nearby Green River adds to the area’s outdoor appeal, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and exploring the surrounding landscape. Located just outside Amboy, the campground offers a convenient starting point for discovering Lee County’s small towns, scenic countryside, and outdoor recreation areas. With a mix of natural surroundings and family-friendly amenities, Green River Oaks Camping Resort is a popular seasonal destination for campers visiting Northwest Illinois.
- DixonKing Family Homestead4BR, 2BA brick bungalow on 80 wooded acres. Sleeps 8. Park-like yards, porch, hardwoods. Close to parks, golf, river, downtown Dixon, restaurants.
Main streets worth the stop
Towns to Explore
Ready when you are
Plan Your Lee County Days
Browse every place to eat, stay, and explore, or let the 2026 Expedition Guide ride shotgun.